As the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics unfold, elite winter sports athletes are competing at the highest level on the global stage. Yet injuries remain an unavoidable challenge that could threaten their Olympic dreams. For many athletes, a sports injury can feel like a devastating setback. However, it does not have to mark the end of their competitive journey. In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Chen Shiyi, academic leader at the Sports Medicine Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, shared insights into the medical treatment behind athlete injuries and the key to helping them safely return to competition.

Chen explained that the majority of sports injuries experienced by athletes are overuse injuries, impacting body parts that are subjected to repeated stress due to the specific technical requirements of a given sport. Understanding the unique demands of each sport allows medical professionals to tailor recovery plans effectively.

Beyond surgical intervention, Chen emphasized that psychological support and personalized rehabilitation are equally critical. For injured athletes, the goal is not merely to resume daily life. Instead, it is crucial to regain full competitive form to perform at elite levels once again.

For alpine skiers, knee injuries—particularly anterior cruciate ligament tears—are the most prevalent. Chen recalled a recent case involving an alpine skier who experienced a torn meniscus and a ruptured cruciate ligament due to prolonged instability in the joint. After undergoing meniscus repair and artificial ligament reconstruction, the athlete made a comeback to competitive skiing merely four months post-surgery.

Such successful recoveries rely heavily on the cooperation and trust between injured athletes and their medical teams. Communication and collaboration establish a strong foundation for recovery, allowing athletes to engage fully in their rehabilitation programs.

Injury is never the final chapter for dedicated athletes. With advanced medical care and steadfast teamwork, elite competitors can overcome physical setbacks. They can return to the competitive arena and continue pursuing their sporting dreams.